ASPCA & Pets Alive to Help 88 Dogs Start a New Life this Winter

NEW YORK--The ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) is providing medical care and transportation for dogs from JP Ranch and Rescue in Atkins, Ark. to Pets Alive Animal Sanctuary in Middletown, N.Y. and Pets Alive Westchester in Elmsford, N.Y. in two upcoming transport operations. The transports to New York from Arkansas offer the dogs a second chance, as a founder of the rescue group currently caring for them is suffering from a terminal illness and must close the facility.

Many of the dogs--mostly medium to large mixed-breed dogs, with a handful of small breeds--will even have a chance to find homes in time for the holidays as the receiving Pets Alive shelters place them up for adoption. The transport operation for the first 53 dogs--which began this morning in Arkansas--is scheduled to arrive at the first stop in Westchester County, N.Y. sometime mid-morning tomorrow, Tuesday, December 20. The operation will then continue to Orange County, N.Y. Another transport operation for the remaining 35 dogs will take place in the coming weeks. To learn more about the dogs, or to inquire about adoption please visit www.petsalive.org.

"The ASPCA Relocation Initiative works collaboratively to assist animals at risk, moving them to where they have the greatest opportunity to find a home," said Sandy Monterose, senior director of community outreach for the ASPCA. "We appreciate Pets Alive and Pets Alive West for providing a second chance for these 88 dogs."

"We're very grateful to the ASPCA for working so efficiently and quickly to help save the lives of these dogs," said Kerry Clair executive director of Pets Alive. "We also appreciate of the local on-the-ground support in Arkansas. This has been a very complicated rescue, yet thanks to all the dedicated and passionate people involved it has been a smooth transition and transfer of animals. We can't wait to welcome these dogs into our facility and get them quickly into homes."

In addition to the ASPCA Animal Relocation Team, which is funding veterinary care (including exams, vaccinations and treatments) and the transport of the animals, the transport operation was made possible thanks to the collaboration of the following groups:

• Southwind Animal Hospital in Russellville, Ark. - Owners Justin Key and Dr. Corry Key provided all veterinary care, testing, vaccinations, and spay/neuter surgeries for all dogs being transported to N.Y.;
• Arkansas Animal Rescue Foundation (AARF) in Dover, Ark. - AARF funded all spay/neuter surgeries for all dogs being transported to N.Y.;
• PetSmart Charities, Inc. - PCI provided all supplies - including crates, bowls, food and leashes - to temporarily shelter the animals at Southwind Animal Hospital during the vetting and surgery process;
• Sumter DART in Sumter, Fla. - Sumter DART is transporting the animals from Ark. to N.Y. in custom built vehicles; and
• Pets Alive Sanctuary and Pets Alive Westchester in New York's Hudson Valley- for accepting 88 dogs into their facilities in Westchester and Middletown.